Anguilla has recorded its first case of West Nile virus after a 25‑year‑old resident reported symptoms, the Ministry of Health confirmed today.
The individual developed symptoms on 7 March, which included fever, headache, vomiting and right‑sided abdominal pain.
Laboratory testing conducted on 10 March confirmed West Nile virus infection by PCR. They had no recent travel history, suggesting the infection was acquired locally.
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The patient has been admitted to hospital for monitoring and supportive care and is currently in stable condition, the ministry said in a press release on 11 March.
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly Culex species, and normally circulates between mosquitoes and birds, which act as the main hosts.
Humans can become infected if bitten by an infected mosquito, but they do not pass the virus on. This means that it does not spread from person to person or from humans back to mosquitoes.
“Although this is Anguilla’s first confirmed human case, there has been evidence of the circulation for the virus in birds, horses and mosquitoes across Caribbean territories since the early 2000s,” the ministry said.
“Moreover, while reported human cases are not common for the Caribbean, the virus often circulates in bird and horse populations without causing major outbreaks in humans, making it a silent threat.”
Most people infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms or only mild illness. When symptoms do occur, they may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea or vomiting.
Severe illness is rare, but can include neurological symptoms inflammation of the brain or nervous system.
Warning signs include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, seizures, muscle weakness, vision problems, numbness or loss of consciousness.
